Chief Tom Streicher, who lives in the neighborhood, thanked citizens for coming forward. Homicide detectives often complain that eyewitnesses to killings refuse to talk to them.

"The investigation was fueled by the passion of our Price Hill residents and the Elder nation,'' he said. "I'm extremely proud of our officers and the citizens who have been brave enough to step forward and identify this brutal killer.''

Also arrested:

 A 16-year-old, charged with carrying a concealed weapon and tampering with evidence.

 Another 16-year-old, charged with intimidation of a witness/crime victim and obstructing official business.

 A 17-year-old, also accused of obstructing official business.

Police had said the Sept. 26 shooting happened as a result of ongoing disputes between teenagers in the neighborhood. They did not release details Friday about what evidence was allegedly tampered with or how the teen suspects were connected to the killing.

Mayor Charlie Luken called Kennedy's family and Elder Principal Tom Otten on Friday to tell them about the arrests.

A relative answering the phone at Kennedy's house Friday afternoon said the family was happy that their son's accused killers were off the streets. She said Kennedy's mother, Marshelle Kennedy-Coleman, and his stepfather, Marty Coleman, were headed out for the evening to get away from the public attention.

The couple participated Thursday night in the second of two walks in two weeks along Glenway Avenue that were called in hopes of bringing more attention to the increasing blight and crime along the strip where Kennedy was shot.